Matthew Podolsky

Trail name: Birdman. I'm a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and former wildlife biologist who has been dreaming about a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail for almost 20 years. My connection with the AT began in 2003 when I hiked the Northernmost 600 miles of the trail. Since then I've worked as a wildlife biologist on the California condor recovery team in Arizona and Utah, co-founded a non-profit, produced several independent documentaries, helped launch a podcast series called "Earth to Humans", and co-directed a film that won the audience award an Sundance. I have an amazing wife and 8-year-old son who are supporting me on my 2022 AT thru-hike attempt.